Governor Umaru Bago of Niger State has declared a decisive crackdown on banditry, warning that armed groups and their local collaborators will no longer operate with impunity.
In a statement issued on Friday, the governor said his administration had adopted a more aggressive security approach, driven by the deployment of modern technology and strengthened collaboration among security agencies.
Bago stressed that both bandits and individuals providing them with intelligence, shelter, or logistical support would face stiff consequences, signalling a shift from previous strategies.
“There will be no more business as usual,” the governor declared, underscoring his resolve to confront the persistent insecurity that has plagued several parts of the state.
Niger State, one of the areas most affected by banditry in recent years, has witnessed repeated attacks on rural communities, kidnappings, and disruptions to farming activities.
Criminal elements have often taken advantage of the state’s vast forested terrain and gaps in intelligence gathering to sustain their operations.
However, government sources indicated that the new security framework would involve the use of advanced surveillance tools, including drones and digital tracking systems, alongside improved intelligence-sharing mechanisms with federal authorities.
The initiative is expected to complement the efforts of national security outfits such as the Nigerian Army and the Nigeria Police Force, as well as local vigilante groups operating within affected communities.
Notably, the governor extended his warning to informants, acknowledging their critical role in aiding criminal activities.
